Man charged with murder for setting wife on fire

A man who set his now-deceased wife on fire has been charged with first-degree murder.

Author:
WCNC Staff

Published:
8:31 PM EDT May 22, 2017

Updated:
11:21 PM EDT June 8, 2017

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A man who set his now-deceased wife on fire has been charged with first-degree murder.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police says he poured rubbing alcohol on her before burning her.

Archie McGill, the 47-year-old victim, was taken to Carolinas Medical Center where she was later transferred to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center with serious injuries from burns, according to the updated police report.

However, Homicide Detectives were notified that the Archie McGill was pronounced deceased at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in June.

Her husband, Gary McGill, was arrested and charged with Attempted Murder, Malicious use of Incendiary Device, Burning Personal Property, and Carelessness with Fire.

Police say McGill set his wife on fire at an apartment complex on Leafcrest Lane. Police found no previous domestic violence incidents at the address.

Neighbors described Gary McGill as a pleasant person, but a heavy drinker. They were in shock to learn what happened.

“I wouldn’t have thought he would actually kill and burn his wife,” said one neighbor.

“He needs to be where he’s at because that was uncalled for,” said another.

NBC Charlotte spoke to a victim advocate at Safe Alliance who says it's not uncommon for victims to hesitate in calling the police.

Police say the motive and other details remain under investigation.

CMPD investigates more than 1500 domestic violence cases each year. The number to the Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-SAFE (7233).

If you have any information about this murder, give the homicide unit or Crime Stoppers a call at 704-334-1600.